Solenoid with supervision switch

ABSTRACT

Embodiments of a solenoid valve are provided. The solenoid valve includes a solenoid portion having a housing. The housing has a first bore and a second bore with the first bore adapted to receive a first end of an armature assembly and the first bore being surrounded by a magnetic coil. The solenoid valve also includes a valve body. The valve body is adapted to receive a second end of the armature assembly. The solenoid valve further includes a detection device located in the second bore and a detection plate interposed between the solenoid portion and the valve body. The detection device interacts with the detection plate to produce a signal indicating whether the solenoid portion is installed on the valve body.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention generally relates to solenoid valves. More particularly,the present invention relates to a supervision device for ensuringproper installation of solenoid valves.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Fire suppression systems use pressurized containers of a firesuppressant material under high pressure. These pressurized containersare installed in a system that includes plumbing from each container toa location associated with the fire detection or fire alarm switch usedto initiate delivery of the fire suppressant material from the containerthrough the plumbing to suppress the fire. A latching solenoid isactivated to operate a discharge valve coupled to the container torelease the suppressant material from the pressurized container to theplumbing that delivers the suppressant material to the fire.

The solenoid valves coupled to the discharge valves of the pressurizedcontainers must be periodically tested to ensure that the magnetic coilcontained therein is properly operating. During testing, the magneticcoil is removed from the solenoid valve. Since such systems typicallycontain many such solenoid valves, the magnetic coil from each solenoidvalve must be removed from the system, tested, and assuming that itpasses the test, reinstalled into the system. Frequently, one or moremagnetic coils is not reinstalled properly (or not reinstalled at all),which is a major problem that typically goes undetected.

The National Fire Protection Association has passed requirements thatfire suppression systems having an electric actuator must be“supervised” and provide audible and visual indication of systemimpairment at the system's releasing control panel. This disclosure isintended to meet such requirements, as well as to detect if one of themagnetic coils is installed properly.

The apparatus of the present disclosure must also be of constructionwhich is both durable and long lasting, and it should also requirelittle or no maintenance to be provided by the user throughout itsoperating lifetime. In order to enhance the market appeal of theapparatus of the present disclosure, it should also be of inexpensiveconstruction to thereby afford it the broadest possible market. Finally,it is also an objective that all of the aforesaid advantages andobjectives be achieved without incurring any substantial relativedisadvantage.

The invention provides such a solenoid valve. These and other advantagesof the invention, as well as additional inventive features, will beapparent from the description of the invention provided herein.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In one aspect, embodiments of a solenoid valve are provided. Thesolenoid valve includes a solenoid portion having a housing. The housinghas a first bore and a second bore with the first bore adapted toreceive a first end of an armature assembly and the first bore beingsurrounded by a magnetic coil. The solenoid valve also includes a valvebody. The valve body is adapted to receive a second end of the armatureassembly. The solenoid valve further includes a detection device locatedin the second bore and a detection plate interposed between the solenoidportion and the valve body. The detection device interacts with thedetection plate to produce a signal indicating whether the solenoidportion is installed on the valve body.

In a preferred embodiment of the solenoid valve, the detection device isa limit switch having a plunger. The plunger is actuated by thedetection plate to produce the signal when the solenoid portion isinstalled on the valve body. In another embodiment, a push button havinga contact plate is interposed between the plunger and the detectionplate.

According to the present disclosure, certain elements of the solenoidvalve can be made rotatable. In certain embodiments, the detection plateis rotatable 360° about the armature assembly. In other embodiments, thesolenoid portion includes a depression adapted to receive at least aportion of the detection plate. In such embodiments, the solenoidportion is rotatable with the detection plate about the armatureassembly.

In embodiments of the solenoid valve, the housing of the solenoidportion further comprises a conduit port adapted to receive electricalwires. In such embodiments, the conduit port rotates with the solenoidportion and detection plate about the armature assembly.

The detection device can interact with the detection plate in a varietyof ways. For instance, the detection device can be a light sensor.Additionally, the detection device and the detection plate can interactusing a proximity sensor on one of the detection device and thedetection plate that senses the proximity of the other of the detectiondevice and detection plate. Still further, the detection device and thedetection plate can interact using an RFID sensor located on one of thedetection device and the detection plate and an RFID chip located on theother of the detection device and the detection plate.

In a particular embodiment, the solenoid valve further comprises apermanent magnet on the armature assembly such that the solenoid valveoperates as a latching solenoid valve.

In a particular embodiment, the valve body further includes an inwardlyextending circumferential ridge and the second end of the armatureassembly further includes an outwardly extending circumferential step. Aproper depth of the armature assembly into the valve body is determinedbased on contact between the ridge and the step.

The solenoid valve can be installed in a fire suppression or firesprinkler system. In such cases, the solenoid valve is adapted tocontrol the release of the fire suppressant fluid upon receiving asignal from a control unit of the fire suppression or fire sprinklersystem.

In another as aspect, various embodiments of a rotatable solenoid valveare provided. The solenoid valve includes a valve body and a solenoidportion. The solenoid portion is rotatable relative to the valve body toa first angular orientation. The solenoid valve also includes arotatable plate interposed between the solenoid portion and the valvebody. The rotatable plate is rotatable relative to the valve body to asecond angular configuration. The second angular configuration is equalto the first angular configuration.

Preferably, the rotatable plate can rotate to an angular orientation of360° relative to the valve body.

In some embodiments, the solenoid portion includes a depression adaptedto receive at least a portion of the rotatable plate. In suchembodiment, the solenoid portion can rotate together with the rotatableplate relative to the valve body. In further embodiments, the solenoidportion further comprises a conduit port adapted to receive electricalwires. The conduit port rotates together with the solenoid portion androtatable plate relative to the valve body.

In certain embodiments, the solenoid portion further comprises adetection device in which the detection device interacts with therotatable plate to produce a signal indicating whether the solenoidportion is installed on the valve body.

Other aspects, objectives and advantages of the invention will becomemore apparent from the following detailed description when taken inconjunction with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings incorporated in and forming a part of thespecification illustrate several aspects of the present invention and,together with the description, serve to explain the principles of theinvention. In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a fire suppression system incorporatingthe solenoid valve with detection device according to an exemplaryembodiment;

FIG. 2 is an isometric view of the solenoid valve with detection deviceaccording to an exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the solenoid valve with detectiondevice shown in FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a cross-section and partially exploded view of the solenoidvalve with detection device shown in FIG. 2; and

FIG. 5 is a depiction of a detection plate usable with the solenoidvalve with detection device according to an exemplary embodiment.

While the invention will be described in connection with certainpreferred embodiments, there is no intent to limit it to thoseembodiments. On the contrary, the intent is to cover all alternatives,modifications and equivalents as included within the spirit and scope ofthe invention as defined by the appended claims.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Referring generally to the figures, various embodiments of a solenoidvalve including a detection device are provided. The solenoid valve isparticularly applicable for fire suppression systems (and moreparticularly for controlling the release of fire suppressant fluids,such as water, argon, carbon dioxide, nitrogen, etc.) and will bedescribed primarily in the context of a fire suppression system.However, this discussion is provided by way of example only and not byway of limitation. A person having ordinary skill in the art willreadily recognize that the presently invented solenoid valve withdetection device can be utilized in a variety of different applications.Additionally, while a fire suppression system is discussed, the solenoidvalve can be used with other systems, including wet and dry pipesprinkler systems, deluge sprinkler systems, pre-action systems, foamwater sprinkler systems, water spray systems, and water mist systems,among others.

A fire suppression system 10 is schematically depicted in FIG. 1. A firesuppression system 10 operates by discharging gas in the area of a fireto reduce the amount of oxygen in the area of the fire, thereby reducingthe amount of fuel available for the combustion reaction. Withoutsufficient levels of oxygen, the fire will die out. To replace theoxygen in the area around the fire, the concentrations of other gases inthe area of the fire are increased. Such replacement gases (referred tohereinafter as “fire suppressant fluids”) include inter alia argon,nitrogen, and carbon dioxide. Notably, the level of oxygen does not needto be reduced to zero to cause a fire to die out. Instead, the level ofoxygen can be made lower than the typical atmospheric concentration of21%, which will allow any occupants remaining in the building in thevicinity of the fire to breath.

The fire suppressant fluids are stored in pressurized vessels 20contained in or around the building for which the fire suppressionsystem 10 is provided. A typical fire suppression system 10 will containmultiple pressurized vessels 20. The release of fire suppressant fluidsfrom the pressurized vessels 20 is controlled by a discharge valve 30. Asingle discharge valve 30 can control the release of fire suppressantfluids from all of the pressurized vessels 20 in the fire suppressionsystem 10, or a discharge valve 30 can be provided for each pressurizedvessel 20 in the fire suppression system.

Upon release of the fire suppressant fluids from the pressurized vessels20 through the discharge valve 30, the fire suppressant fluids aredistributed throughout the building via a distribution network 40. Thedistribution network 40 includes plumbing conduit connected to dischargenozzles scattered at various points within the building. Depending onthe fire suppression system 10, the distribution network 40 can deliverfire suppressant fluids to only the areas where fire is detected or tothe entire building.

A control unit 50 triggers the release of the fire suppressant fluidsfrom the pressurized vessels 20. The control unit 50 receives electricalor mechanical signals that indicate the presence of a fire from smokedetectors, temperature probes, or other thermo-mechanical fire sensors.Upon receipt of such signals, the control unit 50 provides an electricalimpulse to a solenoid valve 100. A pneumatic line runs between thesolenoid valve 100 and the discharge valve 30, such that the dischargevalve 30 is pneumatically actuated. The pneumatic line is pressurizedprior to activation of the fire suppression system 10 such thatdischarge valve 30 is in a closed state, i.e., no fire suppressantfluids are released from the pressurized vessels 20. The pneumatic lineremains pressurized prior to activation of the fire suppression system10 because the solenoid valve 100 is also closed. Thus, when the controlunit 50 provides an electrical impulse to the solenoid valve 100, thesolenoid valve 100 opens, releasing air from the pneumatic line. Thedrop in pressure on the pneumatic line causes actuation of dischargevalve 30 to the open position, releasing the fire suppressant fluidsstored in the pressurized vessels 20. Thus, proper functioning of thesolenoid valve 100 is critical to the operation of the fire suppressionsystem 10. Should the solenoid valve 100 be improperly installed ormissing, such as after an inspection, the fire suppression system 10would not operate in the case of a fire.

As can be seen in FIG. 2, the solenoid valve 100 is generally comprisedof a valve body 102 and a solenoid portion 104. The valve body 102defines an inlet port 106 (shown in FIG. 3) and an outlet port 108. Thesolenoid portion 104 controls flow of fluid from the inlet port 106through the valve body 102 and out of the outlet port 108. In thecontext of the fire suppression system 10 of FIG. 1, the inlet 106 isconnected to the pneumatic line running between the solenoid valve 100and the discharge valve 30. The outlet 108 does not need to be connectedto anything in particular as the air in the pneumatic line can simply bereleased into the environment. The solenoid portion 104 is electricallyactuated. Electrical signals are provided to the solenoid portion 104via wires 110 that enter a housing 111 of the solenoid portion 104through a conduit port 112.

Referring now to FIG. 3, the valve body 102 includes an inlet orifice120 that is in fluid communication with the inlet 106 and with a valvechamber 122. The valve chamber 122 is in further fluid communicationwith an outlet orifice 124, and the outlet orifice 124 is in fluidcommunication with the outlet port 108. Thus, flow of fluid through thevalve body 102 occurs from inlet 106, through inlet orifice 120, intovalve chamber 122, out through outlet orifice 124, and out of the valvebody 102 through outlet 108. Flow in this manner is able to occur unlessan armature 126 linearly aligned with the outlet orifice 124 blocks theflow of fluid through the valve chamber 122.

The solenoid valve 100 is a normally closed valve, i.e., in a defaultsetting, the armature 126 blocks the flow of fluid through the valvechamber 122. Upon actuation of the armature 126 by the solenoid portion104, the armature 126 will retreat from its default position over theoutlet orifice 124 to a retracted position, allowing fluid flow throughthe valve body 102. FIG. 3 depicts the armature 126 in the retractedposition. In preferred embodiments, an orifice plug 127 provides a sealaround the outlet orifice 124 to prevent the leakage of fluid from thevalve chamber 122. In other embodiments, the solenoid valve 100 can be anormally open valve in which the default setting of the armature 126 isto allow the flow of fluid through the valve chamber 122.

Whether the armature 126 is in the default position or retractedposition is controlled via interactions between a spring 130 and amagnetic coil 132. Still referring to FIG. 3, the armature 126 andspring 130 are arranged linearly within an armature sleeve 134 that isadapted to be received in a first bore 135 of the solenoid portion 104.Collectively, the armature 126, spring 130, and armature sleeve 134 arereferred to as the armature assembly 136. The armature sleeve 134 has afirst end 134 a and a second end 134 b with the second end 134 b beingseated within the valve body. The spring 130 is a compression spring andis disposed between the armature 126 and the first end 134 a of thearmature sleeve 134. In certain embodiments, the armature 126 includes aspring cavity 137 into which the spring 130 is seated. The magnetic coil132 is preferably cylindrical in shape and is placed circumferentiallyaround the armature sleeve 134.

In operation, the armature 126 is maintained in the default position bymechanical force from the spring 130. In order to move the armature 126into the retracted position, the magnetic coil 132 is energized withelectric current from wires 110 so as to produce a magnetic forcesufficient to overcome the mechanical spring force. Thereby, thearmature 126 can be maintained in the retracted position as long as themagnetic coil is energized.

In another embodiment, the solenoid valve 100 is a latching solenoidvalve. In such an embodiment, a permanent magnet is provided at thefirst end 134 a of the armature sleeve 134. The permanent magnet has amagnetic force sufficient to hold the armature 126 in the retractedposition if the armature 126 is brought into contact with the permanentmagnet. However, because the spring 130 is a compression spring, thearmature 126 is kept at a distance far enough away from the permanentmagnet that the magnetic force of the permanent magnet is not sufficientat that distance to overcome the spring force. Thus, in the latchingsolenoid embodiment, when the magnetic coil 132 is energized, themagnetic field strength is strong enough to overcome the mechanicalspring force. In this way, the armature 126 is brought into contact withthe permanent magnet and can be held there by the permanent magnet evenwhen the magnetic coil 132 is de-energized.

Because the armature 126 can only be moved between the default andretracted positions via actuation by the magnetic coil 132, the magneticcoil 132 is periodically inspected to ensure proper functioning. If themagnetic coil 132 were not functioning, then the control unit of thefire suppression system 10 would be unable to trigger the solenoid valve100 to release the pressure on the discharge valve assembly and theclean agent cylinders. The magnetic coil 132 is not tested while thesolenoid portion 104 is engaged with the valve body 104 becauseenergization of a properly functioning magnetic coil 132 will cause thearmature 126 to retract, triggering unwanted activation of the firesuppression system 10.

As depicted in FIG. 4, to inspect the magnetic coil 132, the solenoidportion 104 is disengaged from the valve body 102. The solenoid portion104 is disengaged from the valve body 102 by removing a locking nut 138that engages a post 140 disposed on the armature assembly 136 at thefirst end 134 a of the armature sleeve 134. The locking nut 138 canengage the post 140 through a variety of suitable means, including athreaded attachment, a through-pin, frictional engagement (gasket), etc.Once the locking nut 138 is removed, the solenoid portion 104 can simplybe slid by a user over the armature assembly 136 and post 140 until itis clear of the valve body 102.

When the solenoid portion 104 is removed from the valve body 102, thearmature assembly 136 and post 140 remain with the valve body 102 asdepicted in FIG. 4. The armature sleeve 134 is seated into the valvebody in a fluid-tight manner. As shown in FIG. 4, the valve body 102features an inwardly extending circumferential ridge 142 upon which anoutwardly extending circumferential step 144 on the second end 134 b ofthe armature sleeve 134 rests. The contact between the ridge 142 and thestep 144 assures that the armature sleeve 134 is inserted to a properdepth into the valve body 102. In preferred embodiments, the fluid-tightseal between the armature sleeve 134 and the valve body 102 is createdusing a gasket 146 disposed within a channel 148 on an exterior surface150 of the second end 134 b of the armature sleeve 134.

After inspecting the magnetic coil 132, the solenoid portion 104 isreattached to the valve body 102. Proper reinstallation of the solenoidportion 104 is important to ensure proper functioning of the solenoidvalve 100. In order to help ensure that the solenoid portion 104 isproperly reinstalled, a detection device 152 is provided in the housing111 of the solenoid portion 104. The housing 111 includes a second bore154 that contains the detection device 152.

The detection device 152 works in combination with a detection plate 155(also referred to herein as a “rotatable plate”) on the valve body 102.In this way, the solenoid portion 104 needs to be properly installed onthe valve body 102 in order for the detection device 152 to interactwith the detection plate 155 such that the detection device 152registers that the solenoid portion 104 is properly installed on thevalve body 102.

The detection plate 155 is generally oblong in shape and is receivedinto a depression 156 on the bottom surface (i.e., surface proximallyfacing the valve body 102) of the solenoid portion 104. The depression156 has substantially the same shape as the detection plate 155. Asdepicted in FIG. 5, the detection plate 155 defines an aperture 157through which the second end 134 b of the armature sleeve 134 isinserted before the second end 134 b of the armature sleeve 134 isinserted into the valve body 102. Returning to FIG. 4, the second end134 b of the armature sleeve 134 includes a peripheral lip 158 thatcontacts the surface of the detection plate 155, preventing the armaturesleeve 134 from being inserted too far into the valve body 102 andpreventing the detection plate 155 from slipping over the armaturesleeve 134 (such as, for instance, when the solenoid portion 104 isremoved for inspection). Thus, when assembled and as shown in FIG. 4,the detection plate 155 is positioned between the peripheral lip 158 ofthe armature sleeve 134 and the valve body 102. Preferably, whenreceived in the depression 156, the detection plate 155 is flush withthe bottom surface of the solenoid portion 104 as shown in FIG. 3.

As depicted in FIGS. 3 and 4, the detection device 152 is a limit switch159 having a plunger 160. The limit switch 159 is positioned within thesecond bore 154 using a rest 162 that is tailored to hold the limitswitch 159 at a specific height such that the plunger 160 extends fromthe second bore 154 a predetermined distance. Disposed below the plunger160 is a push button 164 with a contact plate 166. The push button 164extends below a plane defined by the surface of the solenoid portion 104proximally facing the valve body 102 (i.e., below the plane defined bythe bottom surface of the solenoid portion 104).

When the solenoid portion 104 is properly installed on the valve body102, the push button 164 will contact the detection plate 155, drivingthe contact plate 166 of the push button 164 into the plunger 160 of thelimit switch 159. Alternatively, the plunger 160 of the limit switch 159can be made long enough that the plunger 160 contacts the detectionplate 155 to trigger the limit switch 159.

In an embodiment, the limit switch 159 is a normally open switch suchthat current does not flow through the limit switch 159 unless theplunger 160 is depressed. In this way, when the solenoid portion 104 isproperly installed on the valve body 102, current will flow in the limitswitch 159, providing a signal that the solenoid valve 100 is operable.The signal can be audial (e.g., a beep or alarm), visual (e.g., a greenlight or an “all clear” signal), tactile (i.e., a vibration), or acombination of one or more of the foregoing. In another embodiment, thelimit switch 159 can be a normally closed switch such that current flowsthrough the limit switch when the plunger is not depressed. In this way,when the solenoid portion 104 is removed from or improperly installed onthe valve body 102, current will flow through the limit switch,providing a signal that the solenoid valve 100 is not operable. Thus,the audial, visual, tactile, or combination thereof signal would not beprovided unless the solenoid portion 104 is missing or improperlyinstalled on the valve body 102. Nevertheless, a person having ordinaryskill in the art will recognize that other configurations, includingconfigurations using normally open or closed switches, can providevarious signals to indicate that the solenoid portion 104 is or is notmissing and/or is or is not properly installed.

Other detection devices 152 can be used instead of a limit switch. Forinstance, the detection device 152 can be a light sensor that respondsto a reflective patch, light source, or the absence of light located onor caused by the detection plate 155. Additionally, detection device 152can be a proximity sensor that senses the proximity of a tag on thedetection plate 155. Still further, the detection plate 155 can includean RFID chip that is read by a detection device 152 that includes anRFID sensor. These examples are not meant to be limiting, and a personhaving ordinary skill in the will readily recognize that other detectiondevices 152 can be used without departing from the spirit or scope ofthe present invention.

The detection plate 155 also provides another salient advantage to thesolenoid valve 100. The detection plate 155 is able to rotate about thearmature assembly 136, and because the detection plate 155 is receivedinto a depression 156 in the bottom surface of the solenoid portion 104,the solenoid portion 104 will swivel with the detection plate 155 aboutthe armature assembly 136. In this way, the location of the conduit port112 can be moved 360° around the solenoid valve 100. This feature aidsin installation of the solenoid valve 100 because conduit containingwiring can be run to the solenoid valve 100 without the installer havingto bend the conduit in tight angles or awkwardly position tools totighten the conduit into the conduit port 112.

All references, including publications, patent applications, and patentscited herein are hereby incorporated by reference to the same extent asif each reference were individually and specifically indicated to beincorporated by reference and were set forth in its entirety herein.

The use of the terms “a” and “an” and “the” and similar referents in thecontext of describing the invention (especially in the context of thefollowing claims) is to be construed to cover both the singular and theplural, unless otherwise indicated herein or clearly contradicted bycontext. The terms “comprising,” “having,” “including,” and “containing”are to be construed as open-ended terms (i.e., meaning “including, butnot limited to,”) unless otherwise noted. Recitation of ranges of valuesherein are merely intended to serve as a shorthand method of referringindividually to each separate value falling within the range, unlessotherwise indicated herein, and each separate value is incorporated intothe specification as if it were individually recited herein. All methodsdescribed herein can be performed in any suitable order unless otherwiseindicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context. The useof any and all examples, or exemplary language (e.g., “such as”)provided herein, is intended merely to better illuminate the inventionand does not pose a limitation on the scope of the invention unlessotherwise claimed. No language in the specification should be construedas indicating any non-claimed element as essential to the practice ofthe invention.

Preferred embodiments of this invention are described herein, includingthe best mode known to the inventors for carrying out the invention.Variations of those preferred embodiments may become apparent to thoseof ordinary skill in the art upon reading the foregoing description. Theinventors expect skilled artisans to employ such variations asappropriate, and the inventors intend for the invention to be practicedotherwise than as specifically described herein. Accordingly, thisinvention includes all modifications and equivalents of the subjectmatter recited in the claims appended hereto as permitted by applicablelaw. Moreover, any combination of the above-described elements in allpossible variations thereof is encompassed by the invention unlessotherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context.

1. A solenoid valve, comprising: a solenoid portion having a housing,the housing having a first bore and a second bore with the first boreadapted to receive a first end of an armature assembly and the firstbore being surrounded by a magnetic coil; a valve body, the valve bodybeing adapted to receive a second end of the armature assembly; adetection device located in the second bore; and a detection plateinterposed between the solenoid portion and the valve body, wherein thedetection device interacts with the detection plate to produce a signalindicating whether the solenoid portion is installed on the valve body;and wherein valve body further comprises an inwardly extendingcircumferential ridge, wherein the second end of the armature assemblyfurther comprises an outwardly extending circumferential step, andwherein a proper depth of the armature assembly into the valve body isdetermined based on contact between the ridge and the step
 2. Thesolenoid valve of claim 1, wherein the detection device is a limitswitch having a plunger, wherein when the plunger is actuated by thedetection plate to produce the signal.
 3. A solenoid valve, comprising:a solenoid portion having a housing, the housing having a first bore anda second bore with the first bore adapted to receive a first end of anarmature assembly and the first bore being surrounded by a magneticcoil; a valve body, the valve body being adapted to receive a second endof the armature assembly; a detection device located in the second bore;and a detection plate interposed between the solenoid portion and thevalve body, wherein the detection device interacts with the detectionplate to produce a signal indicating whether the solenoid portion isinstalled on the valve body; wherein the detection device is a limitswitch having a plunger, wherein when the plunger is actuated by thedetection plate to produce the signal; and wherein a push button havinga contact plate is interposed between the plunger and the detectionplate.
 4. The solenoid valve of claim 1, wherein the detection plate isrotatable about the armature assembly.
 5. The solenoid valve of claim 4,wherein the detection plate is rotatable 360° about the armatureassembly.
 6. The solenoid valve of claim 4, wherein the solenoid portionincludes a depression adapted to receive at least a portion of thedetection plate.
 7. A solenoid valve, comprising: a solenoid portionhaving a housing, the housing having a first bore and a second bore withthe first bore adapted to receive a first end of an armature assemblyand the first bore being surrounded by a magnetic coil, a valve body,the valve body being adapted to receive a second end of the armatureassembly; a detection device located in the second bore; and a detectionplate interposed between the solenoid portion and the valve body,wherein the detection device interacts with the detection plate toproduce a signal indicating whether the solenoid portion is installed onthe valve body; wherein the detection plate is rotatable about thearmature assembly; wherein the solenoid portion includes a depressionadapted to receive at least a portion of the detection plate; andwherein the solenoid portion is rotatable with the detection plate aboutthe armature assembly.
 8. A solenoid valve, comprising: a solenoidportion having a housing, the housing having a first bore and a secondbore with the first bore adapted to receive a first end of an armatureassembly and the first bore being surrounded by a magnetic coil; a valvebody, the valve body being adapted to receive a second end of thearmature assembly; a detection device located in the second bore; and adetection plate interposed between the solenoid portion and the valvebody, wherein the detection device interacts with the detection plate toproduce a signal indicating whether the solenoid portion is installed onthe valve body; wherein the detection plate is rotatable about thearmature assembly; wherein the detection plate is rotatable 360° aboutthe armature assembly; and wherein the housing of the solenoid portionfurther comprises a conduit port adapted to receive electrical wires andwherein the conduit port rotates with the solenoid portion and detectionplate about the armature assembly.
 9. The solenoid valve of claim 1,wherein the detection device is a light sensor.
 10. The solenoid valveof claim 1, wherein the detection device and the detection plateinteract using a proximity sensor on one of the detection device and thedetection plate that senses the proximity of the other of the detectiondevice and detection plate.
 11. The solenoid valve of claim 1, whereinthe detection device and the detection plate interact using an RFIDsensor located on one of the detection device and the detection plateand an RFID chip located on the other of the detection device and thedetection plate.
 12. (canceled)
 13. (canceled)
 14. The solenoid valve ofclaim 1, wherein the solenoid valve is installed in a fire suppressionor fire sprinkler system and wherein the solenoid valve is adapted tocontrol the release of the fire suppressant fluid upon receiving asignal from a control unit of the fire suppression or fire sprinklersystem.
 15. (canceled)
 16. The solenoid valve of claim 19, wherein therotatable plate can rotate to an angular orientation of 360° relative tothe valve body.
 17. (canceled)
 18. (canceled)
 19. A solenoid valve,comprising: a valve body; a solenoid portion, the solenoid portion beingrotatable relative to the valve body to a first angular orientation; anda rotatable plate interposed between the solenoid portion and the valvebody, the rotatable plate being rotatable relative to the valve body toa second angular configuration; wherein the second angular configurationis equal to the first angular configuration; wherein the solenoidportion includes a depression adapted to receive at least a portion ofthe rotatable plate; wherein the solenoid portion rotates together withthe rotatable plate relative to the valve body; and wherein the solenoidportion further comprises a conduit port adapted to receive electricalwires and wherein the conduit port rotates together with the solenoidportion and rotatable plate relative to the valve body.
 20. The solenoidvalve of claim 19, wherein the solenoid portion further comprises adetection device, the detection device interacting with the rotatableplate to produce a signal indicating whether the solenoid portion isinstalled on the valve body.
 21. The solenoid valve of claim 7, whereinthe detection device is a light sensor.
 22. The solenoid valve of claim7, wherein the detection device and the detection plate interact using aproximity sensor on one of the detection device and the detection platethat senses the proximity of the other of the detection device anddetection plate.
 23. The solenoid valve of claim 7, wherein thedetection device and the detection plate interact using an RFID sensorlocated on one of the detection device and the detection plate and anRFID chip located on the other of the detection device and the detectionplate.
 24. The solenoid valve of claim 8, wherein the detection deviceis a light sensor.
 25. The solenoid valve of claim 8, wherein thedetection device and the detection plate interact using a proximitysensor on one of the detection device and the detection plate thatsenses the proximity of the other of the detection device and detectionplate.
 26. The solenoid valve of claim 8, wherein the detection deviceand the detection plate interact using an RFID sensor located on one ofthe detection device and the detection plate and an RFID chip located onthe other of the detection device and the detection plate.